LloydsPharmacy has added an online video GP service to its app that offers patients a same-day appointment.

Patients who use the VideoGP service will be able to access a GP in 30 minutes, between 8am and 8pm each day 7 days a week, the multiple said. Payment is by a monthly or annual subscription, or a one-off fee of £49.99, which also includes prescription medications, next day delivery and sick notes.

The most recent GP survey suggests that many patients struggle to get a GP appointment at a time that suits them, with only 35% of patients who booked an appointment with their GP getting one the same day.

Commenting on the new service, Dr Kieran Seyan, chief medical officer at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: ‘We know it’s not always easy to get an appointment with a doctor, and this can deter people from seeking the help they need. This is why we want to make talking to a GP as easy as possible.’

He added: ‘With Primary Care services under immense pressure right now due to the pandemic, we’re eager to help and support the NHS by providing online alternatives to attending a local GP practise or clinic. Our VideoGP app provides a digital solution that connects patients with healthcare professionals, whilst ensuring continuing safe, quality care for patients.’

Kyle Rowe, Chief Marketing and digital officer at McKesson UK, parent company to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: ‘The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the adoption of digital technology and empowered more people to look after their health online, and it’s because of this that we have significantly invested in bringing this proposition to market.

‘Our VideoGP service gives patients even more choice when it comes to accessing the care they need.

‘By digitising parts of the patient pathway, we are helping to provide a seamless experience, as well as giving valuable time back to bricks and mortar general practice.

‘But as always, our expanding range of private digital healthcare services is integral to the work of our pharmacists in stores, who can dispense the medicines prescribed via our Online Doctor service as well as provide expert face-to-face healthcare advice.’

In May, LloydsPharmacy announced it was working with a marketing specialist to help drive engagement through targeted coupons to its customers in a bid to become a’ consumer destination for all over the counter products.'

In July, McKesson UK CEO, Toby Anderson outlined potential plans to restructure the business, to protect the company’s long-term future after facing ‘increased costs’ and a ‘reduction in income,’ exaggerated by Covid-19 pressures.

LloydsPharmacy and online delivery company Deliveroo partnered in June to launch a new service that offers delivery of over the counter medicines to patients’ doors in under half an hour.